H1N1 - Is it straight out of a Hollywood script?

The recent news reports on the H1N1 "scam" seems that the perpetrators (if proven) created the whole scenario like a Hollywood virus movie like say the story based on Ebola or some futuristic XDP345E or something. (Dont ask me what is XDP345E)
The corruption charges against drug companies are from time immemorial like that of the cigarette manufacturers. This is further aided by regular journal articles on the harmful effects of Ayurveda (and Yoga as well as Pranayama) which seems to be eating into their profit share. Lets test the drugs openly live on TV like a reality show and let it be aired round the world. Ramdev baba are you reading this?
It is claimed that India is one of the most corrupt nations alongwith Indonesia but one needs to see what the so called high priests of the society of the developed western world do for their own material gain. The alleged Rs. 50 charged by an average traffic police for missing helmet seems innocuous in front of what the officials of institutions like WHO or UN are doing. This does not mean I am defending corruption but trying to put things into perspective.
Think!

Bhagat(e) Raho

I have been reading the recent brouhaha about Chetan Bhagat's tussle with the makers of 3 Idiots for credits. I am not sure how far and what is true but I gathered that the rights for the movie was properly bought 2- 3 years back and he was promised credit in the end. Does it really matter? I am not sure what Mr. Bhagat is running after (if he is running after as reported)?
All print media, blogs have mentioned that the film is based on this book. People who have read him also can identify the same. I am not sure if it is one of those publicity gimmicks or just plain "need" fore recognition.
All I can say is that "Mr. Bhagat, your book was a trendsetter after which many IIM grads wrote similar stuff". You were first of the block and always will be remembered for it irrespective of whether there is a flick like "3 Idiots" or not.
What new are you coming out with?

Farmville Fever

Are you on Farmville? (Facebook, Farmville - does it ring a bell?)
I regularly check my Facebook account. I used to get lot of Farmville gifts and invites etc which I ignored for months. Then out of sheer necessity to be courteous to my friends and their invites, I ventured into Farmville one fine day.
And guess what? I am hooked totally! And the "need" to check my farm forces me to log on to the net atleast once a day irrespective of whatever work I have.
Yesterday my friend told me the benefits of visiting my friends' farm. I put that also into practice immediately. Today while checking my friends' farm I found that some of the stuff is ready for harvest. What did I do? I called my friend and asked if she can check on her farm, she said no! I took her login and password, went to Farmville, harvested the stuff and logged out. Imagine what a farmer I am turning into!!!
My farm

3 Idiots - The Review - Must watch

First and foremost - "Awesome".
I have not seen such a well made Bollywood flick in a long long time. The message is crisp and clear. I will not want my son to try and go to Harvard from now on :).
Locales are breathtaking without trying to show any undiscovered part of Europe. The color of water in the final scene is mind blowing. Acting of the 3 Idiots as well as Boman is a class in itself.
Some parts of the book seem to be from 5 Point Someone but some instances like the answer sheet scene is from a copy of Chicken Soup (I dont remember for whose soul). Overall a wonderful watch and absolute value for time and money spent. The songs are nice and hummable. I intend to buy a DVD and keep it for posterity.
Go out, grab a friend and watch the movie. Live!